Bective Dominate as Belfast Harlequins Are Swept Aside at Donnybrook
17 January 2026, Energia Park Donnybrook -Round 11, AIL D2C. A view from the sideline By OMAHD 🐕
BECTIVE RANGERS FC 37 – 14 Belfast Harlequins
On an afternoon of driving rain and swirling winds at Energia Park, Bective Rangers produced a powerful, disciplined performance to overcome both the elements and a determined Belfast Harlequins side, running out deserved 37–14 winners in a storm-lashed Round 11 clash.
With conditions making expansive rugby difficult, Bective adapted superbly, leaning on their forward power, territorial kicking, and defensive organisation to take control of the contest from the opening exchanges
From the outset, Bective’s pack set the tone, carrying hard into contact and dominating the breakdown despite the sodden surface. The visitors struggled to clear their lines as Bective repeatedly forced play back into Harlequins territory.
The pressure told when Oisin McCloskey powered over for the opening try, before James Gallagher crossed following a sustained spell of phase play close to the line. In difficult kicking conditions, Mikey O’Hare added a conversion to give Bective a commanding lead.
Bective’s defensive effort was just as impressive. In torrential rain, tackles were stuck, line speed was aggressive, and Harlequins were denied any meaningful attacking platform.
(Half-time: Bective Rangers 17 – 0 Belfast Harlequins)
If the first half was about control, the second was about ruthless execution. Bective increased the tempo, with their forwards continuing to win collisions and their backs exploiting the space created.
Further tries followed through Oisin McCloskey (his second of the day), Gavin Kelly, and Rory Mulvihill, each score coming from sustained pressure and intelligent use of the short game in the wet.
The introduction of the replacements added fresh energy, with Luke Mion making an immediate impact by crossing for a well-taken try, before hooker Chris Hennessy capped off another strong forward effort to underline Bective’s dominance up front.
Belfast Harlequins showed resilience to grab consolation scores through Zac Solomon and a penalty try, converted by Johnny McCracken, but Bective remained in control to close out a comprehensive victory.
Speaking after the match, Bective forwards coach Peter O’Donnell praised his pack’s response to the conditions and their physical edge:
“In weather like that, it’s about attitude and work rate. The lads fronted up brilliantly. We spoke all week about winning collisions and owning the set-piece, and I thought the forwards really set the tone for everything we did. That platform allowed us to play in the right areas and build pressure, which is exactly what you need in weather like this.”
Peter also highlighted the impact of the bench, adding:
“The replacements came on and kept the intensity high. In those conditions, fresh legs and accuracy make a huge difference, and the group really bought into that.”
This performance will give Bective plenty of confidence as they continue their push in Division 2C. The ability to adapt to severe weather, maintain discipline, and still produce seven tries will be particularly pleasing for all the coaching staff.
Up next: Bective now turn their attention to Round 12, with a trip to Estuary Road to face Malahide RFC on Saturday, 31 January (2.30pm). It will be another tough test, but Bective will travel full of belief after this commanding display.
Scorers:
Bective Rangers: Tries — Oisin McCloskey 2, Gavin Kelly, Rory Mulvihill, James Gallagher, Luke Mion, Chris Hennessy; Con: Mikey O’Hare.
Belfast Harlequins: Tries - Zac Solomon, Penalty try; Cons: Johnny McCracken.
BECTIVE RANGERS 1st XV: 15 Tim Carroll; 14 Mikey O’Hare, 13 Ben Garrett, 12 Bobby Holland, 11 Dave McPolin; 10 Matthew Gilsenan (capt), 9 Connor Halpenny; 1 Rory Mulvihill, 2 Chris Hennessy, 3 Conor Kelly, 4 Tiarnan McCloskey, 5 Gavin Kelly, 6 Chris Poole, 7 Oisin McCloskey, 8 James Gallagher.
Replacements: 20 Scott Barron, 21 Luke Mion, 22 Mark O’Brien, 23 Conor Murphy, 24 Tom McCarthy.
Referee: Peter McClure, UAR IRFU.
